ALKYONEUS (Alcyoneus) was the King of the Thrakian Gigantes (Giants) who was immortal within the confines of his homeland of Pallene. Herakles encountered Alkyoneus during his travels. He sneaked up upon the giant as he slept and disabled him with a volley of arrows and blows from his club. The hero then dragged the wounded giant beyond the confines of Pallene where he died. Alkyoneus' seven mourning daughters were transformed into a flock of kingfishers (Greek alkyones).